Matrix and matrix-holder



F. WGGENS.

MMHKX AND MATRIX HDLDER.

APYUQAHGN man uw. 15, 192i.

1,378,748. Patented May 17, 1921.

attenua,

FRANK WIGGIN'S, OF KNOXVELE, TENNESSEE lumix AND MATRIX-HOLDER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented DIay 17, 1921.

Application led January 15, 1921. Serial No. 437,543.

To all whom it 'may concern Be it known that I. FRANK Wlcenvs, a

citizen of Athe United' States, residing at Knoxville, in the county of Knox and State of Tennessee, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Matrices and Matrix-Holders, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements 1n dental matrices and the holding means therefor.

The objects of the inventionare; to provide a set of matrices, constructed to fitthe posterior teeth and to correspond to the shape or curvature thereof, and completely surround the ,Y same; to provide a matrix which may be drawn closely about the tooth and burnished to closely contact with the neck of the tooth, to effectively prevent the crowding or passing of the lling restoring material between the matrix and the wall of the tooth, which ordinarily frequently occurs, forming rough edges in contact with the gum, causing gum trouble or diseases; to provide a matrixV having engaging elements, adapted for coaction with a resilient holder, the matrix and holder being so constructed and arranged that ther mouth may bev conveniently closed, when they are used, where-v by the opposed tooth may form a natural occlusion in the filling or restoring' material,

before the same has hardened or set; to pro vide a resilient holder for the matrix, which will permit of the closing of the mouth or teeth, with the least discomfort tothe patientgcto provide a connection between the resilient holder and matrix, dispensing with the necessity of the end or ends of the holder extending to the interior of thematrix, whereby the matrix is retained in close contact with the wall of the tooth; to provide a resilient holder which is adapted to extend generally in a. vertical direction, when faced upwardly or downwardly, thereby being adapted to lie relatively close to the gum; and to provide a resilient holder which is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, strong and durable.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying vdrawings formingy a part of this specification, and in which like'v numerals are em lo ed to desi a parts throughout iheysame, gn te hke Figure 1 is a perspective view of the matrixand matrix holder, separated,

Fig. 2 is a similar view of the matrix and a slightly different form of matrix holder,

Fig. 3 is a perspective View of the matrix 1n place, wlth the teeth open,

Fig. 4 is a, similar view with the teeth closed, and

F 1g. 5 is a perspective view of the second form of matrix holder, opened.A

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration are shown preferred embodiments of my invention, the numeral l() deslgnates a matrix band, preferably formed of a th1n metal strip, sufficiently stiff for ordinarily retaining its shape, but sufficiently flexlble to permit of the same being burnished down to closely contact with the wallV trix bands be provided, corresponding to A the size and shape of the different posterior teeth, it being desired that a band be obtained for each tooth treated, which will completely surround the tooth and have its ends contacting or in close relation. The

matrix band is provided at pointsv near and spaced from its ends with curved or crescent shaped openings 1l, stamped therein, forming outwardly bent attaching elements or teeth 12,V preferably integral with the matrix. These attaching elements or teeth are arranged upon the outer side of the tooth..

The resilient holding member comprises :1U-shaped body portion 13' including an intermediate yield-ing portion 14. The arms of the U-shaped body portion lhave their upper portions twisted and arranged in a plane at substantially a right angle to the portion 14. It is therefore obvious that the arms do not yield readily, when spread apart`l but that the portion 14 performs a yielding function. The upper ends of the arms, are bent transversely and inwardly, into flat Jaws 15, having recesses or notches 16, for the reception of the elements or teeth Vioo 12. The U-shaped body is tensioned to spring inwardly.

In Figs. 2 and 5, I have shown a different form of resilient matrix holder, comprising a U-shaped body portion 16, including a yielding portion 17, and twisted arms 18, disposed at a right angle thereto. At their ends, these arms have extensions 19, which cross. and carry inwardly directed jaws 20. The U-shaped body portion 16 is tensioned whereby its arms spring outwardly, causing the jaws 20 to move inwardly. The jaws 20 may be equipped with the notches 16.

In use, the matrix band 10, o a suitable shape and size is applied to a posterior tooth 21, preferably with the elements 12 arranged outermost. The holdingr element 13 may now be employed to contract the matrix band, by engaging the jaws 15 behind and with elements 12, fitting in notches 16. This Jforms a secure engagement between the two parts of the device. The matrix band may be burnished down upon the tooth, to fit tightly against the same, preventing the possibility of the filling or restoring material passing down between the matrix band and tooth. The holding device, extends generally in a vertical direction, between the gum and cheek, and being generally Hat, does not unduly inconvenience the patient. when the teeth are closed. as in Fig. 2, for forming a natural occlusion in the restoring or filling material 22. The use of Vthe other holring device is thought to be obvious.

It is to be understood that the forms of my invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit 'of my invention, or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim 1. A iexible matrix band adapted to extend completely around a tooth with its ends in close\relation, said band being provided near said ends with outwardly extending engaging elements stamped therefrom, and a resilient holding member having jaws to engage behind said elements and notches to receive the elements.

2. A flexible matrix band adapted to extend substantially completely around a tooth with its ends in close relation, said band being provided near its ends with attaching elements projecting outwardly beyond the band, and a resilient holding member having jaws provided with notches adapted to receive therein the attaching elements, whereby the jaws and attaching elements have an interlocked engagement, the holding member being adapted to be wholly mounted within the mouth upon one side of the teeth.

3. A liexible matrix band adapted to substantially completely surround the tooth with its ends in close relation, an approximately U-shaped holding member arranged upon one side of the tooth and embodying spaced resilient arms. said Yapproximately U-shaped holding member being adapted to permit ofthe teeth being closed, and means for eecting a positive andreadily detachable interlocking engagement between the arms of the holding member and the end portions of the matrix band, the arms being detached from the end portions of the matrix band by a lateral movement of said arms.

4. A flexible matrix band adapted 'to extend around a tooth, an approximately U- shaped holding member having an intermediate yielding portion and arms twisted longitudinally to assume a position at right angles thereto, said U-shaped member being generally fiat and adapted for arrangement in a vertical position when in use, said arms having transverse jaws, and engaging elements carried by the matrix band near its ends for coaction with the jaws.

5. A matrix band holding member comprising a resilient U-shaped member having its arms twisted and provided at the ends of the twisted portions with jaws having notches.

In testimony whereof I aix my signature.

FRANK WIGGINS. 

